Local News - NYC/NJ/CT

Severe weather is expected to hit the Northeast today and may bring damaging winds of more than 60 mph, large hail and possibly tornadoes from Massachusetts to Virginia.

The biggest threat for these conditions will be from Scranton, Pennsylvania, into Binghamton, New York, and through Hudson Valley into Hartford and Springfield, Massachusetts.

Flash flooding is also possible, with flood watches posted for the Northeast.

Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to develop late Tuesday, bringing the chance for quarter-size hail, straight-line winds in excess of 70 mph and even an isolated tornado or two.

The day starts out dreary with a spotty shower, but high heat and humidity return for the afternoon. The storm threat intensifies over the course of the day, with a strong system expected to pound the entire region at some point between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. (4 p.m.-7 p.m. for NYC) Tuesday.

Any isolated tornadoes are more likely to occur in the lower Hudson Valley, northeast New Jersey and interior southwest Connecticut. Even without tornadic activity, damaging winds could tear down trees and power lines. Large hail could also cause damage to vehicles and other property.

Storms are expected to diminish after dark, but the rain will continue intermittently into Wednesday. Temperatures will also plunge, with only a high of 65 degrees expected Wednesday after 82 degrees forecast Tuesday.